Figure-Ground Segregation

Figure-ground segregation is defined as the ability to separate the figure in a picture from the background. The figure is the image that stands out from the background. In the picture to the left the figure would be the bird and the background would be the nature behind it (Goldstein108).

Reversible Figure Ground

When you take a look at this image what do you see? Do you perceive a vase or is this image perceived as two faces? This image is what is known as a reversible figure-ground. Theimage could be viewed as a vase or two faces depending on what the viewer perceives asthe background or the figure (Goldstein108).

Figure Vs Ground

The figure is more "thinglike" and more memorable than the ground. It resembles an familiar or meaningful object.

The figure is seen as being in front of the background

The contour that is shared by the figure and ground is seen as belonging to the figure

objects seen lower in a display are more lilkely percieved as figure

symmetrical figures are seen as the figure

smaller objects are usually identified as the figure

The ground is seen as more uniformed material

The ground seems to extend beyond the figure

The ground is perceived as higher in the viewing field

The non symmetrical or more abstract object is often perceived as the ground